[TwoheadsBrewing]

We've been looking for a decent espresso machine for the office, but I really know little about them. I have a cheapo $75 espresso maker at home that I use on occasion, but it seems flimsy and is quite slow.

What should I look for in an espresso machine? Boiler with pump, steam system, manual, automatic?

[Dunerunner]

Best to look at machnes at Sweet Marias or other online review sites. Sweet Maria's Espresso Equipment

[smurfe]

If you have a local Starbuck's look and see if they have any clearance models. I got a nice one there for like $100. This is the one I have that was store branded for Starbuck's. It's a nice machine.

Amazon.com: Saeco Via Venezia Pump-Driven Espresso Machine Black - Saeco 000378: Home & Garden

[bigmike787]

In an office environment, you're probably safer going with a super-auto. Most people don't know WTF a portafilter is, more less how to properly grind and load a shot into a portafilter. For ultimate laziness (read convinience) get a pod machine. There isn't a super-auto on the market that can produce a "god shot", but the best super autos can produce a good shot. Of course the best super autos are expensive. Go read up on Coffee Geek and you'll find all the information you'll ever want to know.

[adamhimself]

If you have a Big Lots in your area, you can usually find one for pretty cheap there. Also check Ross or Marshall's as I have seen pretty decent ones there for pretty cheap.

[bryce_wes]

The Nespresso D290 I currently own, espresso shots are idiot proof, I am proof. Anyway, you can make decent lattes and cappuccino with no thought. Nothing great, but if you throw out some flavor syrups no one will complain. The espresso itself is good. It is easy cleanup and quick with little downtime. The only complaint I have is the 55 cent pods. From prior experience, when it comes to an office, keep it simple.... I think you know where it goes from there .

[brewagentjay]

Looking for a nice cheap option for home. Any ideas?

[Dunerunner]

Cheap and Espresso do not go well together. First we're talking high temperature water and some moderate pressure either generated by steam or a pump.

Here's one at Amazon for <$90 Amazon.com: DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker: Kitchen & Dining

[brewagentjay]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

Cheap and Espresso do not go well together. First we're talking high temperature water and some moderate pressure either generated by steam or a pump.

Here's one at Amazon for <$90 Amazon.com: DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker: Kitchen & Dining

Thanks. This might be exactly what I need for my birthday.

[iammatt]

I started with a Amazon.com: Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker: Kitchen & Dining. It worked well for being a $100 machine. The pressurized porta filters I replaced with just a standard, non pressurized Krupp's Basket, which increased quality of the shot by ten fold, however it doesn't get the "nice" crema that the pressurized porta filters do. Get a decent Burr grinder for around $100, and you'll be set to start your adventure in Espresso world. If you find out you want to pursue it further you will be throwing down $500+ in no time!